International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology
Volume 16, Issue 4s

Larvicidal Activity Of Marine Macroalgae: A Comprehensive Review

V. Sakthivel1, Ilanthiraya S2, Jeevanantham G3, Aravindhan T4, Priya K5, Thirumurugan A6*

1Department of Biotechnology, Centre for Distance and Online Education, Bharathidasan University, Trichy-600024, Tamil Nadu, India
2Department of Botany, Bharathidasan University, Trichy-600024, Tamil Nadu, India
3Department of Botany, Thanthai Hans Roever College (Autonomous) (Affiliated to Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli), Perambalur - 621220, Tamil Nadu, India
4Department of Biotechnology, Thanthai Hans Roever College (Autonomous) (Affiliated to Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli), Perambalur - 621220, Tamil Nadu, India
5Department of Microbiology, Thanthai Hans Roever College (Autonomous) (Affiliated to Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli), Perambalur - 621220, Tamil Nadu, India
6*Department of Research, Saveetha College of Nursing, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Chennai - 602105, Tamil Nadu, India

(Corresponding Author)

ABSTRACT

The problem of diseases transmitted by mosquitoes is a serious issue in global health, causing high mortality rates and economic losses. Although chemical insecticides have long been the mainstay in vector control, their efficacy has been diminishing because of the development of resistance in insects and increasing concerns about their toxicity to the environment and human health. This review examines the use of marine macroalgae (seaweeds) as a sustainable, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly alternative for the control of mosquito larvae. Macroalgae in the three main categories: Chlorophyta (green algae), Phaeophyceae (brown algae), and Rhodophyta (red algae), have a vast secondary metabolite profile that includes phenolics, terpenoids, alkaloids, and sulphated polysaccharides. These compounds display toxicity to major mosquito vectors such as Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi, and Culex quinquefasciatus through several modes of action:

Physiological Disruption: The extracts directly affect the larval midgut epithelium, causing cell lysis and tissue disruption. Biochemical Interference: The bioactive compounds interfere with the activity of key enzymes such as acetylcholinesterase and cause oxidative stress through the overproduction of reactive oxygen species. Growth Regulation: Certain metabolites can affect hormonal balances, cause an extension of the larval stage or prevent successful pupation and emergence of the adult.

Studies have shown high larvicidal activity. In addition to vector control, macroalgae-derived compounds have been identified as promising broad-spectrum antiviral drugs against pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 and the influenza virus. The concept can provide a sustainable and multi-faceted solution for the control of mosquito-borne diseases with minimal ecological impact by using Marine Macroalgae.

Key words: Marine macroalgae, Larvicidal activity, Vector control, Mosquito-borne diseases, Secondary metabolites, Insecticide resistance, Enzyme inhibition, Midgut disruption, Anti-viral drugs.

How to cite this article: Sakthivel V, Ilanthiraya S, Jeevanantham G, Aravindhan T, Priya K, Thirumurugan A, Larvicidal Activity Of Marine Macroalgae: A Comprehensive Review. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(4s): 908-917; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.4s.106

Source of support: Nil

Conflict of interest: None